ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that the government wanted to evolve knowledge economy in collaboration with public, private sectors, academia and civil society.
“We have proper planning and a future road-map to asses our needs and the government has mainly focused on energy and infrastructure development to enhance economic growth,” he said while delivering a lecture on Development Philosophy of the government here at COMSATS campus.
Ahsan Iqbal said “We launched the Vision 2025 to execute the development plan and roadmap for the future economic development of the country.”
He said the government was committed to economic development and prosperity and place the country’s economy among top 25 economies of the world till 2025.
He added that in vision 2025 the government mainly focused on investing in human resource capital, inclusive sustainable growth, good governance, food, water and energy security, private sector particularly on Small and Medium Enterprizes (SMEs), value addition and finally on regional integration and connectivity to evolve Pakistan as a regional trade hub.
The minister said that the world has now converted as geo-economy as in the past countries were playing for their interest in geo-strategic theater.
He added that in the 21st century, countries are struggling for image building to attract the foreign investment in their countries to make conducive environment for business and trade.
“We need to enhance our tax revenue, increase our exports and bring foreign investment in the country for economic growth,” he said.
Ahsan Iqbal said that political stability and continuity in policies was a must for economic development and prosperity in the country.
He added that political agitation and protests damaged the country’s economy in the past, adding, “Now we need unity and consensus to make conducive environment for economic stability and growth.”
The Minister urged the media to portray positive image and give hope to the people for better future of the country.
He said that the government inherited bad economic conditions and poor law and order situation in Balochistan, Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013.
He said now in 2016, the law and order situation in Karachi and other areas are conducive for economic activities and also support the people for their day to day work.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the international economic journals and institution rate Pakistan economy as positive, adding that “Our foreign reserves have crossed $ 21 billions and now economy is in the take off position as compared to past.”
Source: APP
